Squirrel Lake near Mahnomen: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Squirrel Lake falls in Mahnomen County, part of Minnesota. Beyond the shoreline you have pine and birch. It runs to roughly 92 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Shoreline comes to about 2.6 miles, small enough to learn in a day. Mahnomen sits 10 miles from the bank. Detroit Lakes lies 26 miles off, Fosston another 27 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Squirrel Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Mahnomen County include rainbow trout, white sucker, northern pike, bluegill and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. On Squirrel Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 5°F to 68°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Squirrel Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Blocknic Lake, 0.4 miles away. The position on Squirrel Lake is worth confirming on the day.